Next stop, broadband on rails
-
-
Trains are not as fast as airplanes, go not as far as airplanes. But they are sure so useful. And in different places of the world, railroad companies are testing cellular or WiFi wireless embedded networks.
California, USA
In California, first. Fast mobile broadband services on their trains are about to bundle the Capitol Corridor railways network. Von Magazine reported that “Concourse Communications, Earthlink, Nomad Digital, and ATCI have been selected to participate in trials to demonstrate the technical feasibility and cost-effectiveness of a broadband network along a route stretching from Auburn to San Jose.”
The network will have to answer a long list of big bandwidth consuming applications, like video downloads and VoIP systems.
United Kingdom
Virgin isn’t at its first try, often postponing the deployment of the wireless network. This time, Virgin will be experimenting a wireless system combining WiMax and satellite technology. According to Silicom.com, the first installation will be on its west coast mainline service, with the first installation already completed on a Pendolino train (in picture).
Downlink are expected to be set around 49Mbps for trains travelling up to 200kmph, although satellite downlink will be around 20Mbps. But mixing both technologies would save money.
Tokyo, Japan
Japanese world fastest trains Shinkansen will be providing WiFi in 2009, between Tokyo and Osaka.
Said Martyn Williams, from IDG: “A general upgrade of the communications system for the trains will enable the service, which will be supplied to the train through a leaky coaxial cable that runs alongside the train tracks.”
Jun 30, 2006 | By Nuno
- comments
-
-
-
- Stay in sync'
- Full content
- Content tagged VoIP
-
-
-